U.S. President Barack Obama appears to have bowed when greeting King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia when the two met at London's Buckingham Palace on April 1, 2009. Obama's bow was photographed and captured on video. The alleged Obama occurred while world leaders met for an official photo during the G20 Summit of 2009.Chicago Sun-Times: Did Obama Bow to Saudi King? (April 9, 2009)
One of Obama's aides denied the bow and said that Obama bent down when he shook the king's hand because of their difference in height. The Weekly Standard said the explanation was "absurd."USNews.com: Obama Trip Said To Have Produced "Mixed" Results (April 9, 2009)
Controversial Gesture
Obama's apparent bow has sparked controversy. By bowing to another, it symbolizes that the person bowing is obedient to the person they are bowing to. According to an editorial in the Washington Times, a U.S. president has never bowed to a foreign royal. The writer called Obama's bow "shocking" and a "display of fealty to a foreign potentate."CBS: Conservatives, WH Spar Over Saudi "Bow" (April 9, 2009)Chicago Sun-Times: Did Obama Bow to Saudi King? (April 9, 2009)
Obama Bows Video
- YouTube: Obama Bows to Saudi King (Time: 0:13)
Featured Video
References
Fast Facts
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Date of alleged Obama bow
April 1, 2009
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Occurred at London's Buckingham Palace
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Obama appears to bend down and bow to Kind Abdullah
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The act was photographed and video taped
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The incident occurred when the members of the G20 Summit were meeting to pose for the official photoChicago Sun-Times: Did Obama Bow to Saudi King? (April 9, 2009)
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Photo taken by Getty Images was captioned with Obama bowsChicago Sun-Times: Did Obama Bow to Saudi King? (April 9, 2009)
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